The Countess, neglected by her husband, writes in her private journal. She wants to leave some record of her time here on Earth. She is well aware that her era, the 18th century, is an important one: the Enlightenment! The spirit of Light! And… sex. Because the Countess is neglected, and, yes, there’s that Italian cook who might tempt her, but…Those who have been following Sfar since his earliest work know that he is interested in two major subjects: philosophy and sex, or vice and versa. With his inimitable verve, Joann Sfar now takes on both – although, make no mistake, he really is also talking about the spirit of the Enlightenment, about the condition of women, about Voltaire and about France. After putting in time as ‘the token French Jew’, Sfar has declared himself ready (and qualified) to talk about France, with his trademark mix of humor and seriousness. Readers will find plenty of laughter in The Lights of France, which marks the return of the ornate, elaborate art style of Le Chat du Rabbin (The Rabbi’s Cat).